The appearance of condensation on windows, especially new ones, can cause homeowners confusion and frustration. Homeowners may start to ask themselves questions regarding the quality of their new windows and the crew that installed them. Questions such as the following may arise: Why is there moisture in my windows? Will that cause mold? Is that normal? These questions are entirely normal, especially when it comes to new windows. Often, new windows will have moisture while old ones do not. That alone can perpetuate questions about the quality of your new windows. Not to worry, however, Sheps Construction has the answers to help you understand every aspect of your new windows, as well as other construction needs. Reach out to Sheps Construction for more information on how we can help you with your new windows and any questions you may have while creating your dream home.
What is Condensation?
Condensation results from warm, moist air coming into contact with a cooler surface. Windows are an ideal surface for condensation to gather as they are typically at a lower temperature than the air around them, especially during the winter. Although water vapor is most common during the winter, it can happen in any season, at any time when the water vapor in the air touches a colder surface. Therefore, the appearance of condensation on your windows is entirely normal and not a sign of a problem or complication with your windows or their installation. As a point of interest, windows designated as energy-efficient tend to have more condensation than windows that are not designated due to their high quality and temperature control.
Another thing to keep in mind regarding condensation is the amount of moisture that is added to indoor air as you go through your day-to-day life. For example, if you enjoy cooking or baking, that adds a tremendous amount of water to the air every day. Not to mention every shower, or bath, or even when dishes soak in the kitchen sink. Don’t forget teapots, coffee pots, and other appliances releasing steam into the air, all of which contribute to the moisture in the air and the probability that condensation will appear on your windows. In addition, it is essential to remember that moisture can be forced by vapor pressure through other types of materials besides windows and glass, including the following:
- Plaster
- Wood
- Brick
- Cement
Moisture can maneuver and appear across different types of surfaces, causing condensation to appear anywhere that the warm, moist air bumps up against a cooler surface, so its appearance need not be a surprise or concern, especially on new, ecologically efficient windows.
What Does the Appearance of Condensation Mean?
Homeowners often think that the presence of condensation indicates a problem, especially concerning leaks. However, in some cases, condensation can be a positive thing. The presence of condensation can prove that your windows have clean, tight seals and are working correctly. In addition, it’s essential to remember that other energy-saving techniques, such as energy-efficient sliding glass doors, thicker, more efficient insulation, and more environmentally friendly construction, can all contribute to condensation in your home. The warm air is held in the house due to the tight seals on more ecologically efficient building practices. In this instance, condensation is a good thing as it demonstrates that the steps you take to make your home more environmentally sound and financially sustainable are viable and working.
That being said, there are situations in which condensation is not a good thing. Excessive condensation can lead to mold, mildew, damage through freezing and expanding in materials within your home, and much more. Therefore it’s important to know how to mitigate some of the condensations in your house. The following are a few ideas as to how to help manage the level of moisture and condensation in your home:
- Do not store firewood in your home
- Have floor coverings
- Limit houseplants and terrariums as they require and hold moisture.
- Operate ceiling fans to keep air moving and not allow air to settle or get moist
- Vent all appliances
- Run exhaust fans while you are cooking.
Condensation on your windows, even new windows, is not a cause for concern or worry. It can, in fact, show how well your windows are working. This and many questions may arise as you work on your home. Sheps Construction is family-owned and operated business and can assist you with any questions that you have regarding your new windows, their installation, or any aspect of your home project.
Contact Sheps Construction today to see how we can help you and your home project.
